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Career Launch helps Durham College (DC) students and soon-to-be graduates develop the confidence to smoothly transition from college to the workplace. Throughout the year, events and workshops at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses provide opportunities for personal and professional development. These activities complement classroom learning, help students develop networking and leadership skills and personal marketing tools, and enhance their essential employability skills.
The Career Launch program is organized by Career Development, Student Development, International Education and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.
Career Launch events offer unique and beneficial personal and professional development opportunities. You will:
- Acquire and practice real-world skills by attending employer recruitment events, DC Talks: Alumni Series , the Etiquette dinner and the Institute of Student Leadership Summit.
- Discover how to build a comprehensive, relevant and appropriate LinkedIn presence through our LinkedIn events.
- Build valuable leadership skills through participation in the Institute of Student Leadership.
- Increase financial knowledge and confidence by learning how to budget and manage money through the Financial Literacy workshop.
LIST OF EVENTS
DC students and alumni have access to free individual career coaching services to help you establish career goals, discover solutions to challenges, develop action plans, build self-confidence, and achieve work-related goals. Below is a list and short summary of the appointment types available:
- Career Coaching - Establish career goals, discover solutions to challenges, develop action plans, build self-confidence, and provide motivation to move forward and achieve your career ambitions.
- Cover Letter - Learn how to effectively analyze job postings to target employer needs. We will do this by identifying keywords and customizing your cover letter to target the specific position. Cover letters are essential to the job search and should accompany the resume unless the posting indicates otherwise.
- Interview Techniques - Review best practices for both in-person and virtual interviews. Learn how to reduce your stress and maximize your interview performance to answer questions with confidence.
- Job Search Strategies - Discuss strategies to find the type of employment you are seeking whether it be full-time, summer, part-time, or remote positions. You will be guided on how to effectively use the Hired portal and other job search engines, how to uncover the hidden job market, including how to avoid scams and protect yourself when looking for work.
- Resume - Learn how to create a targeted resume to make it through the initial screening process. During this session we will discuss using job posting keywords in your resumé and why this technique will increase your chances of making it through the initial screening process, specifically Applicant Tracking Systems. We will also cover how to articulate your skills and experiences to demonstrate your ability to perform the job
- Mock Interviews - This is a supportive and safe environment where you can receive constructive feedback to help you improve your interview performance. The mock interview provides a valuable opportunity to practice and become comfortable professionally. Schedule a session with one of our experienced coaches to enhance your interview skills and gain confidence as you prepare for your next opportunity.
Students are able to register for upcoming sessions and book appointments on the Hired portal. Log in with your MyCampus login and password.
Perfect your pitch and boost your personal brand!
Join the Pitch Perfect workshop to meet students from other programs and refine your communication skills.
Oshawa campus
Date: January 30, 2025
Time: 4:10 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: TBC
Whitby campus
Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: TBC
Register for this event on the Hired portal.
Gain tips for creating a great profile, building a professional network and connecting with potential employers.
Students will leave with a professional headshot.
Oshawa campus
Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Centre for Innovation and Research
Register for this event on the Hired portal.
A great opportunity for students and alumni to meet with hiring managers and human resources representatives from several organizations!
Oshawa campus
Date: February 6, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre
Whitby campus
Date: February 13, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Don Lovisa Building
Register for this event on the Hired portal.
Students graduating in 2025 can drop in to enjoy a free pizza lunch and find out everything they need to know about convocation, employment services, and alumni benefits. In addition, you will receive a gift and have a chance to win some great prizes.
Whitby campus
Date: March 5, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Don Lovisa Building, Atrium
Oshawa campus
Date: March 6, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: CFCE, Rotary Global Classroom
An informative and engaging session with TD Wealth Financial Planning.
They are excited to answer questions to build your financial confidence as you transition from students to the workforce.
They will be joined by TD Canada Trust partners and local Financial Planners from Durham Region.
Oshawa campus
Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
Location: Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre, Room G213
Register for this event on Eventbrite.
During DC Talks, you will hear from DC grads as they share the unique journey that took them from the classroom to the workforce. From industry insights and career tips to finding and landing their first job, returning alumni will answer questions and engage with students about what comes next.
Visit the Rotary Global Classroom page to learn more about this event and read the panellists' bios.
Oshawa campus
Date: March 19, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Rotary Global Classroom - CFCE
Register for this event on Eventbrite.
This annual conference on student leadership challenges you to break the mold by providing you with tools to foster innovation, develop your professional portfolio and challenge previous ways of thinking. The student leadership summit features a keynote speaker and innovative sessions which will inspire you to break out of your comfort zone and start achieving your goals!
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: TBC
Learn business dining etiquette and enjoy a great meal at Bistro ‘67. Etiquette consultant Susy Fossati will conduct a practical lab where you will learn how to properly navigate a three-course meal through to dessert. Throughout this fun experience, you will be provided valuable tips and dos and don’ts.
Date: March 25, 2025
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Bistro ‘67
Tickets are $20. Register for this event on Eventbrite.
An annual professional networking event organized by the International Education Office for new and recent international grads.
The event has two portions (panel presentation + speed networking) and starts with a panel of international alumni sharing their experience graduating from DC and into a job in Canada.
Following the panel presentation, students will be able to share their professional backgrounds and career goals with leaders in the field (business experts/recruiters/employers) as well as the international alumni panelist through speed networking.
Oshawa campus
Date: March 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: TBC